Have you searched every drugstore, supermarket and specialist supplier to find the best shampoo for a sensitive scalp?
After all, if you love to try a tonne of new products or often find yourself frequently styling, you’re probably familiar with one or two scalp issues.
Fortunately, plenty of dry, natural, and specialised shampoos are designed to calm and soothe the scalp with expertly chosen ingredients, which you will definitely want in your shampoo.
But how do you choose the best men’s & women’s shampoo for a sensitive scalp in NZ?
Sulphates can be potentially drying, irritating, and stripping for sensitive scalps.
What you do want to see are loads of light oils, hydrators, and botanical ingredients designed to restore your scalp to a balanced state.
So, if you need a calming solution for sensitive skin, here are some of our top picks for the best women’s and men’s shampoo across New Zealand.
Top 3 Best Shampoos for a Sensitive Scalp
The best shampoo for a sensitive scalp that is easily irritated is the Kérastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm Shampoo. This gentle formula contains Calophyllum oil, which has softening and soothing properties to calm irritations. It’s a winning formula for a flaky scalp that won’t strip your colour. This shampoo will also leave your hair feeling thicker, healthier, and stronger. Try this option if you’re struggling to find the best drugstore shampoo or a formula that works for a sensitive scalp.
Ideal for oily hair, the Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo is a formula our male customers across New Zealand love. Known as one of the best men’s shampoo choices, it provides an awesome deep clean and leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and balanced. This formula includes natural shampoo ingredients like Rosemary oil, Menthol, Salicylic acid, and Ginger extract to calm irritated scalps. It also uses Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole to combat dandruff and itchiness. With all these benefits, it’s more than just a good shampoo for sensitive scalps, it’s one of our best.
Cleanse and care for coloured hair with the Davroe Repair Revitalizing Shampoo. Made to protect coloured hair from further damage, this formula is gentle and mild enough for daily use while still being able to cleanse the hair thoroughly. One of the best women’s or men’s shampoo choices, this nourishing formula is designed to reduce breakage and remove oil, dirt, and product build-up. This cruelty-free and vegan shampoo also contains the best natural shampoo ingredients like Rice and Quinoa Amino Acids to help strengthen and protect against colour fading. Pair with the matching conditioner for the most outstanding results.
Complement the Best Shampoo for a Sensitive Scalp with Our Favourite Treatments & Conditioners in NZ
Sometimes the best drugstore shampoo for a sensitive scalp isn’t enough! It doesn’t matter if you have all the best natural shampoo ingredients working for you – sometimes you need a little more. Here are some of our favourite products and best scalp treatments that make perfect companions to your favourite natural or dry shampoo for a sensitive scalp.

Our Recommended Hair Care Products to Pair With
Sometimes shampoo isn’t enough! Here are some of our favourite products and
best scalp treatments that make perfect companions to your favourite shampoo for a sensitive scalp.
A Gentle Hair Conditioner for Sensitive Scalps So, you’ve finally found the best shampoo for your sensitive scalp.
Now what?
Well, when looking for a conditioner for sensitive scalps, we recommend pairing up your shampoo with the L'Oreal Professionnel Serioxyl Conditioner. Designed for fine, thinning hair, this formula is perfect for compromised scalps that struggle to promote growth. Menthol helps soothe the scalp, while the rest of the formula works to hydrate and detangle the lengths of your hair.
A Cleansing, Natural Purifying Scrub You may have found the best shampoo for a sensitive scalp, but with the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub deep treatment, you can revitalise and restore your scalp in no time. Used before the shampoo step in your hair care routine, this treatment flushes out all the debris, excess oil, and build-up from your scalp. It also stimulates blood flow, which helps nourish and rebalance the scalp.
For stubborn and sensitive scalps – for whom itchiness and irritation are all too common – the Purifying Scrub, when used regularly, can minimise the frustrating scalp concerns and balance oil production for better quality locks.
Natural ingredients such as sea salt, chamomile, and sweet almond oil mean this treatment packs a punch. Not only does it provide stimulating exfoliation, but it also soothes the scalp while brightening, nourishing, and hydrating the hair and scalp, preventing it from becoming dry or damaged.
One of the best products to pair with any shampoo for sensitive scalps, this deep treatment is ideal for any hair type or texture.

Are you looking to prevent hair loss and strengthen your locks? Wella SP Balance Scalp Energy Serum contains a clinically proven formula that works to do just that. Containing Wella’s potent Energising Complex, thin or fine hair is made more robust, and hair anchorage is increased in no time.
Packed with ingredients like caffeine, biotin, lauric acid and a host of nourishing vitamins, this serum works tirelessly to enrich the hair and counteract the hormones that are the main culprits behind hair loss in many men and women.
A hair care treatment essential for those with sensitive scalps, this skin-loving serum also works to balance the scalp. Particularly when paired with any of the Wella SP Balance Scalp Treatment Collection, you can see visible results in the quality and fullness of your hair.
Use this product three times a week to feel its full benefit. For even greater results, we recommend using Wella SP Balance Scalp Energy Serum alongside the SP Balance Scalp Shampoo to prepare and enrich your scalp and hair.
Want more of the best scalp care products like dry shampoo and those with natural ingredients? Check out these guides...

Want more of the best scalp care products? Check out these guides...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.